SCCS - Scientific Advice on Silver used in cosmetic products (CAS/EC No. 7440-22-4/231-131-3)

SCCS members: U. Bernauer, L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraads (Chairperson and Rapporteur), J. Ezendam, E. Gaffet, C. L. Galli, E. Panteri, V. Rogiers, Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, T. Vanhaecke, S. Wijnhoven
SCCS external experts: E. Benfenati, N. Cabaton, E. Corsini, Ch. Delmaar, A. Koutsodimou, H. Louro, W. Uter, N. von Goetz 
Contact: SANTE-SCCSec [dot] europa [dot] eu (SANTE-SCCS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
On request from: European Commission
SCCS Number: SCCS/1687/25
Adopted on: 26 March 2026

A corrigendum was adopted on 20 May by written procedure to amend the table in Appendix B with missing values for handcream (including a revised value for subtotal SED and MoS for dermally applied products).

Conclusion of the opinion:

1. In light of the new data provided, the previous SCCS Opinion (SCCS/1665/24) and taking under consideration the classification as toxic for reproduction Cat. 2, does the SCCS consider micron-sized particulate Silver [100 nm < particle diameter < 1 mm] safe when used up to a maximum concentration of 0.2 % in rinse-off and 0.3 % in leave-on cosmetic products?

In the light of the new data provided, indicating that micron-sized particulate Silver does not penetrate the skin, the SCCS considers micron-sized particulate Silver [100nm<particle diameter<1 mm] safe when used up to a maximum concentration of 0.2% in rinse-off and 0.3% in leave-on cosmetic products. It is also considered safe when used up to 0.2% in oral hygiene products and up to 0.3% in nail products.

For cosmetic products intended for children use, micron-sized particulate Silver is also considered safe at the same concentrations, except in mouthwash that is considered safe at a concentration up to 0.05%.

This Opinion does not apply to the use of micron-sized particulate Silver [100nm<particle diameter<1 mm] in propellant-based spray products because such applications were not covered by the Applicant, and therefore not assessed for safety by the SCCS.

2. Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS, the maximum concentration considered safe for use of micron-sized particulate Silver [100 nm < particle diameter < 1 mm] in cosmetic products?

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3. Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of micron-sized particulate Silver [100 nm < particle diameter < 1 mm] in cosmetic products?

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Keywords:

SCCS, scientific advice, Silver, Regulation 1223/2009, CAS/EC No. 7440-22-4 /231-131-3

Opinion to be cited as:

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), scientific advice on Silver (CAS/EC No. 7440-22-4/231-131-3) used in cosmetic products, preliminary version of 17 December 2025, final version of 26 March 2026, Corrigendum 20 May 2026, SCCS/1687/25.